Author Policies

1. Author’s Agreement Form

The Author’s Agreement Form is a mandatory document that authors must sign before their manuscript is published in the Otolaryngology journal. This form outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the authors and the journal. By signing the agreement, authors confirm that their submission is original, that they hold the rights to the work, and that the manuscript has not been published elsewhere or is not under consideration for publication in another journal. Authors also agree to transfer the copyright of the published work to the journal, unless otherwise specified under certain licensing terms. The agreement also includes declarations regarding conflicts of interest, funding sources, and ethical compliance, such as approval for human or animal studies. Authors are expected to adhere to the journal's guidelines on authorship, data integrity, and ethical standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in their research. The form also covers permissions for data sharing, licensing choices (e.g., Creative Commons licenses), and any amendments to the manuscript post-acceptance. This contract helps the journal maintain high ethical standards and protects the rights of both authors and the journal, ensuring that the publication process is legally sound.

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2. APC Waiver Policy

The Article Processing Charge (APC) Waiver Policy is designed to ensure that authors from underrepresented regions or institutions without substantial funding can still publish their research in the Otolaryngology journal. Authors are generally required to pay an APC after acceptance of their manuscript to cover the costs associated with the peer review, editing, typesetting, and publication processes. However, the journal acknowledges that some authors, particularly those from low-income countries or institutions with limited funding, may be unable to afford the APC. In these cases, authors can apply for an APC waiver. The policy allows authors to request a full or partial waiver by submitting a request at the time of manuscript submission, providing appropriate justification, such as lack of financial support or affiliation with a low-income institution. The journal’s editorial board reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis and makes a determination. The waiver ensures equitable access to publishing opportunities, promoting inclusivity and diversity in research dissemination.

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3. Digital Preservation

Digital preservation is a key part of the Otolaryngology journal's commitment to ensuring the long-term availability of published research. The journal works with reputable digital preservation services and repositories to safeguard its content from loss or degradation over time. Published articles are archived in stable and widely recognized databases such as CLOCKSS (Controlled Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe), Portico, or institutional repositories. These platforms offer robust digital preservation, ensuring that articles remain accessible even in the event of technological or organizational challenges. The journal also supports the archiving of supplementary materials such as datasets, figures, and appendices, allowing for comprehensive long-term access. The goal of this policy is to ensure that scientific knowledge is preserved, providing future generations of researchers and clinicians with access to critical information. The journal’s digital preservation strategy supports the Open Access model, ensuring that articles can be accessed freely over time, which enhances global collaboration and scientific progress in the field of otolaryngology.

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4. Data Sharing Policy

The Otolaryngology journal strongly encourages data sharing, which enhances transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration within the scientific community. Authors submitting original research are required to make their data publicly available whenever possible, subject to ethical or privacy restrictions. The journal recommends that authors deposit their raw data in publicly accessible databases or repositories relevant to the research field, such as those for clinical, genomic, or experimental data. The data must be made accessible to readers, enabling others to verify results, perform secondary analyses, and build upon previous work. If the data cannot be shared due to privacy, legal, or other restrictions, authors must explain these reasons in their manuscript. Additionally, the journal encourages authors to provide links to supplementary materials, protocols, or other research resources that can help others replicate their studies. Data sharing is essential in fostering an open scientific environment and accelerating advances in otolaryngology, benefiting the wider research community and ultimately improving patient care and clinical outcomes.

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5. Human and Animal Rights Policy

The Otolaryngology journal upholds strict ethical standards for the treatment of both human and animal subjects in research. Manuscripts involving human participants must include a statement confirming that the study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and that approval was obtained from an institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee. Authors are required to state that all human participants provided informed consent, and any identifying information must be anonymized to protect their privacy. In studies involving animals, authors must confirm that their research adhered to national and international guidelines for the ethical treatment of animals, such as the Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines. This includes ensuring humane treatment, minimizing animal suffering, and using alternatives to animal testing whenever possible. The journal is committed to ensuring that all research published is ethically sound and that both human and animal subjects are treated with dignity and respect throughout the research process.

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6. Copyright Policy

The Otolaryngology journal follows a clear and transparent copyright policy to protect both the authors' and the journal's interests. Upon acceptance of a manuscript, the copyright for the work is transferred to the journal unless the author chooses to retain copyright under a Creative Commons (CC) license. Authors who choose a CC license allow their work to be freely accessible and reused under specific terms (e.g., CC BY or CC BY-NC). This license enables others to share, adapt, and reuse the work with proper attribution, promoting open access and scholarly collaboration. The journal's policy ensures that authors maintain moral rights, such as the right to attribution and the right to object to misuse of the work. In cases where authors wish to reuse portions of their own published work in other contexts (e.g., in books or other journal articles), they are generally permitted to do so under the terms of the chosen license. This policy promotes wider access to research while respecting authors' intellectual property.

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7. Sample Paper

The Otolaryngology journal provides authors with a sample paper to guide them in preparing their manuscript for submission. The sample paper outlines the journal’s expectations regarding structure, formatting, citation style, and overall presentation. Authors can use this template to ensure that their submission adheres to the journal’s requirements, which include standardized sections such as the title, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. The sample paper also provides guidance on proper figure and table formatting, data presentation, and reference citation. By using the sample paper, authors can avoid common formatting mistakes and ensure that their manuscript meets the journal’s editorial standards. This service helps authors streamline the submission process and reduces the likelihood of delays due to formatting issues. Additionally, the sample paper serves as a model for clarity, conciseness, and professional scientific writing.

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8. Rights and Grants to the Author

The journal recognizes that authors may need funding to support their research and publication costs. As part of its commitment to supporting research in otolaryngology, the journal offers authors guidance on rights and grants. Authors are encouraged to acknowledge any funding sources in their manuscript and are provided with clear information on how to apply for grants to cover Article Processing Charges (APC), travel for presenting research, and other publication-related expenses. The journal also advises authors on intellectual property rights, emphasizing that authors retain the copyright to their work unless specified otherwise through licensing agreements. Authors have the right to reuse portions of their work in other contexts (e.g., conferences or books) as long as they adhere to the terms outlined in the copyright policy. Furthermore, authors are encouraged to pursue external grants to support their research, and the journal can assist authors by providing proper documentation for funding applications.

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9. Participant/Patient Privacy and Informed Consent

Ensuring patient privacy and obtaining informed consent are paramount in clinical research. The Otolaryngology journal requires authors submitting research involving human subjects to confirm that they have obtained written informed consent from participants for the publication of any personal information, images, or clinical data. Authors must state that their study complies with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and that any identifiable information has been anonymized or de-identified to protect participant privacy. In addition to ensuring compliance with international ethical standards, the journal adheres to national regulations, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) for studies conducted in the U.S. By enforcing these guidelines, the journal ensures that patient rights are protected and that the research adheres to the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality.

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10. Submission of Manuscript

To submit a manuscript to the Otolaryngology journal, authors must follow a standardized submission process through the journal’s online submission system. The manuscript must be prepared according to the journal’s specific formatting and submission guidelines. Authors are required to provide key information such as the manuscript’s title, abstract, keywords, and a list of potential conflicts of interest. In addition, authors must submit supporting documents, such as ethical approval certificates, a statement of informed consent, and any data availability declarations. The submission process is designed to be straightforward, but authors are encouraged to thoroughly review the journal’s submission checklist before submitting to ensure their manuscript complies with all requirements. The journal uses a peer-review process to evaluate the scientific quality and integrity of the manuscript before acceptance for publication.

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11. Complaints Policy

The Otolaryngology journal has a transparent and systematic complaints policy to address any concerns raised by authors, reviewers, or readers. The policy ensures that all complaints are treated with fairness, respect, and confidentiality. Authors may lodge complaints about the editorial or peer-review process, while reviewers can raise concerns regarding ethical issues or conflicts of interest. The first step is to submit a formal written complaint to the editorial office, detailing the nature of the issue. The editorial team will acknowledge the complaint and investigate the matter thoroughly, consulting relevant stakeholders, such as peer reviewers or other members of the editorial board, if necessary. Authors and reviewers will receive updates about the progress of the complaint investigation, and the final decision will be communicated clearly. In cases of serious misconduct, the journal reserves the right to take corrective actions, such as retracting an article or issuing a correction. This policy ensures that the journal maintains high ethical standards and promotes transparency and accountability.

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12. Open Access Policy

The Otolaryngology journal adheres to an Open Access (OA) policy, meaning that all articles published are freely available to readers worldwide without subscription or paywall barriers. This approach ensures that scientific knowledge in the field of otolaryngology is accessible to all, regardless of geographical or financial constraints. Open Access not only enhances the visibility and impact of research but also promotes the exchange of ideas, leading to greater collaboration across institutions and disciplines. The journal follows the Creative Commons (CC) licensing system, which allows authors to retain copyright while granting readers the right to reuse, share, and adapt their work with proper attribution. By embracing Open Access, the journal aims to democratize scientific research, making high-quality studies on otolaryngology available to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers around the world.

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13. Check List

Before submitting a manuscript to the Otolaryngology journal, authors are encouraged to follow a comprehensive submission checklist to ensure their manuscript is complete and complies with the journal’s guidelines. The checklist covers important aspects such as the manuscript’s structure (title, abstract, keywords, body of the text, references, figures, and tables), formatting requirements (font size, margin settings, and reference style), ethical compliance (such as IRB approval, informed consent, and conflict of interest disclosures), and supplementary materials (like data availability statements or consent forms). By using the checklist, authors can reduce the risk of submission errors and ensure their manuscript is prepared correctly for peer review. The checklist serves as a valuable tool for authors to avoid delays in the review and publication process, improving the efficiency and quality of their submission.

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14. Errata, Retractions, and Corrigenda Policy

The Otolaryngology journal takes great care to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all published research. However, in cases where errors are identified post-publication, the journal follows a strict policy for issuing errata, corrigenda, and retractions. Minor errors, such as typographical or factual mistakes, are corrected with a corrigendum, while errata are issued for more significant errors. If an article contains substantial inaccuracies that affect the conclusions or the integrity of the research, a retraction will be published to officially withdraw the article. In all cases, the corrections or retractions will be clearly marked on the article’s online version to maintain transparency. Authors, editors, and reviewers are encouraged to report any issues with published articles promptly to ensure the journal’s content remains accurate and trustworthy. The policy ensures that the scientific record is corrected when necessary, upholding the credibility of the journal and its published content.

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15. Licensing Policy

The Otolaryngology journal follows a licensing policy that offers authors the option to publish their work under a Creative Commons (CC) license. This allows authors to retain copyright while granting others the right to reuse, share, and adapt the work, depending on the type of CC license selected. Common license options include CC BY (attribution), CC BY-NC (non-commercial use), and CC BY-ND (no derivatives). Authors are encouraged to choose a licensing option that aligns with their preference for sharing their work and determining how others can use it. The licensing policy ensures that the work is accessible under specific terms, promoting open access while respecting the intellectual property rights of authors. It also encourages broader dissemination of research findings, which is crucial for advancing knowledge and clinical practice in the field of otolaryngology.

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16. Withdrawal Policy

The Otolaryngology journal permits authors to withdraw their manuscript from consideration at any stage prior to acceptance. If authors wish to withdraw their manuscript, they must submit a formal request to the editorial office, and the manuscript will be removed from the review process. If the manuscript has already been accepted, withdrawal is possible but may incur a fee to cover administrative costs. Withdrawal after publication is more complicated and may result in the issuance of a retraction or a correction if the paper was published in error. Authors are encouraged to carefully consider the implications of withdrawal before submitting their manuscript and should ensure that the manuscript is ready for peer review. The journal’s withdrawal policy helps maintain the integrity of the publication process and ensures that all published content is vetted and accurate.

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17. Article Processing Charge (APC)

The Otolaryngology journal levies an Article Processing Charge (APC) upon acceptance of a manuscript for publication. This charge covers the costs associated with peer review, editing, typesetting, and the final publication of the article in an open-access format. The APC helps maintain the journal’s operations and ensures that articles are freely accessible to readers without paywalls. The APC varies depending on the type of article, and authors are invoiced after their manuscript is accepted. Authors from institutions or countries with limited funding may apply for APC waivers or discounts. This policy helps sustain the journal’s financial viability while supporting open-access publishing, making research accessible to a broader global audience and promoting scientific collaboration.

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18. Manuscript Preparation

Manuscript preparation for the Otolaryngology journal involves adherence to specific guidelines to ensure consistency, clarity, and quality. Authors must structure their manuscripts in the standard scientific format, which typically includes the following sections: Title, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. The journal requires that all figures and tables are formatted according to their specific guidelines, and that references are cited using the designated citation style. Manuscripts should be free from grammatical errors and written in clear, concise language. Authors are also required to submit ethical approval statements, conflicts of interest disclosures, and any relevant supplementary material. Following these preparation guidelines ensures that the review process is efficient and that the final article meets the journal’s publication standards.

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19. Plagiarism Policy

The Otolaryngology journal takes plagiarism very seriously. All submitted manuscripts are checked for originality using advanced plagiarism detection software to ensure that authors do not present others' work as their own. This includes both direct copying and improper paraphrasing. Any manuscript found to contain plagiarized content will be rejected, and the author may be banned from submitting future articles. Authors are expected to properly cite all sources of information, whether they are direct quotations or paraphrased ideas, to maintain academic integrity. The journal follows strict guidelines to address cases of plagiarism, ensuring that the published literature is ethical, reliable, and credible. This policy helps uphold the quality of research and protects the interests of both authors and the academic community.

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20. English Language Editing

The Otolaryngology journal understands that clear and effective communication is vital in the publication process. To assist non-native English-speaking authors, the journal offers a list of recommended English language editing services that can help improve the clarity, grammar, and overall quality of a manuscript. Authors are encouraged to use these services prior to submission to ensure that their manuscripts meet the journal’s language standards. While the journal provides support through recommended services, the responsibility for ensuring the manuscript is free from language errors ultimately rests with the authors. High-quality English language editing is essential for enhancing the manuscript’s readability and improving its chances of successful peer review and publication.

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These policies collectively ensure the integrity, accessibility, and ethical standards of the Otolaryngology journal, supporting both authors and the wider research community in advancing the field.